Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems for long-acting contraception: current perspectives, safety, and patient counseling

• Main Author: Costescu DJ
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dove Medical Press 2016-10-01
• Series: International Journal of Women's Health
• Subjects: LNG-IUS; Long Acting Contraception; Intrauterine Contraception; Levonorgestrel; Contraception; Family Planning
• Online Access: https://www.dovepress.com/levonorgestrel-releasing-intrauterine-systems-for-long-acting-contrace-peer-reviewed-article-IJWH

Dustin J Costescu Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada Abstract: Unintended pregnancy is a significant global problem. In 2008, there were over 100 million unplanned pregnancies worldwide, representing approximately 41% of global conceptions. Family planning strategies in many countries are shifting from increasing the uptake of contraception among nonusers to increasing the uptake of the most effective methods among users of less effective methods. One of the most effective and acceptable methods of contraception is the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG IUS); however, its uptake varies widely by country. This article reviews the currently available LNG IUSs, the rationale for increasing uptake of these methods, and evidence regarding safety, and discusses counseling strategies to best inform women about this option for contraception. Keywords: LNG IUS, long-acting contraception, intrauterine contraception, levonorgestrel, contraception, family planning